Australia's system of government

The roles of government

Each level has different responsibilities and provides different services.

Federal

The Federal (or Commonwealth) government is Australia's national government. It implements laws made by the Commonwealth Parliament.

These include trade and commerce, quarantine, currency, patents, marriage, immigration, defence, telecommunications, and the provision of health, aged care, welfare and other assistance such as Medicare and Centrelink.

State/Territory

Australia’s states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania) and territories (Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory) are responsible for policing, public schools, roads and traffic, public hospitals, public housing, and business regulation.

Local

Local governments can be in the form of a city or town council, or a shire. They are responsible for town planning, building approvals, local roads, parking, public libraries, public toilets, water and sewerage, waste and recycling, domestic animals and community facilities.Local taxes (called rates) are collected from home owners based on the value of their home. These taxes are used to pay for the services provided. Local governments also collect parking fees.